Booming sales of four-wheel-drives, luxury cars and light commercial vehicles have pushed Australian motor vehicle sales to another record monthly result.

Figures released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries show that a record 81,667 vehicles were sold in October, exceeding the previous record for the October month set last year by 3.1 per cent.

The Australian automotive industry has now enjoyed record sales in 17 of the last 18 months.

One of the main drivers of sales growth in October was the Medium SUV segment which was up 73.7 percent on the same month last year.

For the year to date Medium SUV sales are up 59.2 percent.

“Much of the growth in this segment can be attributed to Ford’s Australian designed and built Territory model which has been an instant success since it was launched mid-year,” said FCAI Chief Executive Peter Sturrock.

“Significantly, the success of Territory has not been at the expense of other models in the segment – it’s grown the market,” said Mr Sturrock.

Total vehicle sales for the year to date are up 4.8 percent and 2004 is now certain to be the third successive year of record sales, exceeding last year’s total of 909,811.

“With two months to go we expect the final total for the year will come close to our forecast of a record 960,000 sales,” said Mr Sturrock.

“The combination of strong long term economic conditions and the recent launch of several significant new models at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney is attracting buyers in their droves.”

Mr Sturrock said other pointers to the strength of the economy could be seen in the sales of the Prestige car segment which is up 8,308 or 36.6 percent for the year to date over the same period last year, and the Light Truck Market which is up more than 15,000 vehicles or 12.4 per cent.

“Business confidence remains generally very high as indicated by the increased number of light commercial vehicles being sold,” said Mr Sturrock.